Communicating the benefits and risks of vaccines.

Vaccines have been highly effective at eliminating or significantly decreasing the incidence of many once-common diseases. However, the public is now focusing on the potential adverse effects of vaccines. Proper communication of vaccine benefits and risks requires an understanding of factors that affect an individual's acceptance and perception of those benefits and risks. Physicians should be prepared to answer patients' or parents' questions about common as well as alleged vaccine-related adverse events and must utilize the Vaccine Information Statements for vaccines covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.